A new podcast series will chart the rise and influence of London Records through interviews with artists and insiders.
Hit That Perfect Beat: The London Records Story launches on 6 May, offering a five-part series focused on the label’s role in shaping pop and dance music.
The podcast is hosted by journalist Siân Pattenden and features contributions from artists, executives and broadcasters connected to the label.
The series begins with London Records’ emergence in the early 1980s and follows its development across three decades.
It explores key moments including success with acts such as Bananarama and Fine Young Cannibals, the growth of UK dance music, and the label’s later revival with new artists.
Guests include Goldie, Paul Hartnoll, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Siobhan Fahey, Dannii Minogue, Shaznay Lewis, Reverend Richard Coles, Tony Mortimer, Roland Gift and Neil Arthur.
Contributors also include broadcaster Miranda Sawyer, DJ Pete Tong, DJ Sean Rowley and former staff member John Niven.
Across the episodes, the podcast examines the label’s creative approach, its risk-taking culture and the challenges it faced during periods of change in the music industry. It also reflects on the mix of commercial success and setbacks that defined its output.
Laura Kelly, Managing Director of London Records, said: “The London Records Story podcast traces the roots of a label like no other; its meteoric success, notorious excess and the extraordinary artists and records that shaped music culture.”
John Niven added: “Working at London Records was like going on an SAS raid performed by the cast of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Siobhan Fahey said: “The label’s history is one of both spectacular hits and epic misses, with a cast and crew like no other.”
The podcast launch coincides with a companion compilation release, also titled Hit That Perfect Beat, featuring more than 40 top 40 hits from the label’s catalogue.
Produced by Podmasters, new episodes will be released weekly at 6am on Wednesdays across major podcast platforms.
